December 2023
Volume 22 | Issue 5
Not a Subscriber?
Parks & Rec Business is written by parks and recreation directors and staff. If you’re in the industry, PRB is an amazing resource that’s full of real-world experience that you can use to solve problems, create new opportunities, and keep your community healthy and happy.
This Month’s Articles
In “Ted Lasso,” my favorite show of all time, Ted (the main character) tells a story about his dog Hank. It goes like this:
No matter the size of a park agency, all of them struggle with resource needs. However, what some people often don’t recognize is that the most valuable resource of any organization is its employees.
I’ve never heard an effective leader say that leadership is easy—it’s not. In fact, it can be incredibly difficult at times
As one final project before I retired from the city of Elko New Market, Minn., I was asked to scan the nation for potential revenue sources for evaluation, and make recommendations to diversify our current revenue base for future park projects.
It takes a lot of effort and planning to stand out in today’s world full of people constantly being treated as potential customers. Studies show the average person is exposed to roughly 4,000 marketing messages every day, and the number is growing.
Since 2020, state parks have seen massive upticks in visitors. The pandemic forced people to self-reflect and find new ways and places to interact.
In today's rapidly evolving digital landscape, technology holds a paramount position in the functioning of local governments, influencing every facet of their operations. From streamlining administrative tasks to enhancing civic engagement, technology assists in modernizing and serving communities more efficiently.
With many changes in programming, ADA-access, and opportunities to inclusively serve all members of a diverse community, a paradigm shift has occurred, and it’s time that it is recognized in the way parks are designed.
While the sport of curling rewards great skill and precision, Chaska, Minn., wanted to reward the community with a great place to play, practice, compete, and celebrate. With a design led by 292 Design Group, now JLG Architects, the Chaska Curling & Event Center opened its doors in the winter of 2015, alongside a vibrant redevelopment of Firemen’s Park in downtown Chaska.
I had been at my previous parks and rec position for more than a decade when I landed a great job in central Ohio for a Gold Medal-winning agency, with more responsibility and many more employees to lead. It was tough saying goodbye.
When I run into people from my youth-sports days, they tell me what a great coach my dad was and how they still remember some of the ways he motivated them to work harder and be better.
Dale rolled over in bed and glanced at the clock. It read 6:02 a.m. It would be another hour before sunrise.
A collection of news items, product announcements and event notices designed to keep you on the cutting edge.
Industry events you won’t want to miss. Check out what’s coming up.
Product Review
Dig, load, grab, and back drag as well as prepare the soil bed without changing attachments,
www.ironcraftco.com
Ideal for smoothing and leveling soil, gravel, and other coarse materials.
www.igniteattachments.com
Compatible with all major brands of cable-hoist truck body systems for winter maintenance professionals.
www.hilltipna.com
Color-changing light fixture illuminates fountain and splash pad spray effects (underwater, wet or dry locations.
(512) 393-5263
www.fountainpeople.com
Designed to meet the requirements of light electric vehicles, outdoor power equipment, and industrial pallet trucks.
https://delta-q.com/our-products/rq-series/
Buyer’s Guide
Marketspace Spotlight
Coming Up
PRB+ January 2023
Planning
Competitive Pools
Recreation & Fitness Centers, Field Houses & Ice Rinks
Dog Parks & Multi-Use Fields
Emergency Response
Don’t Miss Our Next Issue
Parks & Rec Business publishes new stories straight from the field each and every day. Make sure you take a moment to subscribe to our e-newsletter, magazine, and/or social feeds to stay in the know.
Change management is crucial for leaders in any field. Whether it’s adopting innovative technology, navigating employee turnover, or launching new programs, successful leaders are often those who handle curveballs with ease and expertly guide their teams through unfamiliar territory.